02/25/1987 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

e Mayor Obie said two new members have been appointed to the Refuse and Recycling Board. He suggested they review the proposed minimum rate for 90- gallon containers. Ms. Schue said the councilors have much to learn about the City's regulation of refuse collecting. She pointed out that the proposed rate for curbside service is more than people are now paying for it. Discussing the current system, Mr. Gleason said the City has established minimum rates for refuse collection and the operators of refuse hauling companies decide among themselves where they can operate. He said the refuse collection industry is changing and becoming more competitive. Ms. Vanderpool added that the 90-gallon container now being used by some people will not be legal in Eugene until a rate structure has been established. Ms. Ehrman asked for a list of refuse hauling companies and for information about hauling areas before the council's public hearing. B. City's Role in Regulation of Refuse Collecting Ms. Vanderpool said it has been some time since the City's role in refuse collection has been analyzed. She said two members were recently appointed to the Refuse and Recycling Board and she suggested the council direct the new board to review the system. e The Mayor and several councilors discussed her suggestion. Mr. Rutan said the current system seems appropriate. He said deregulation of an industry can be dangerous. Mayor Obie said the existing system seems to work well. Mr. Holmer said refuse hauling companies should be able to charge the lowest rate at which they can make a profit. Mr. Gleason said the present system regulates the refuse hauling industry. The City establishes minimum charges and standards for refuse collection. He said people will collect refuse in pickup trucks if the City does not have standards. At the same time, the City's system is dated and unable to address new services such as mechanized services adequately. He said the issue is: Should the existing minimum rate be enforced or should the City's role in the regulation of refuse collecting be reviewed? He said the company providing residential curbside service will have to stop if the present ordinance is enforced. Mr. Miller suggested the council consider backyard service for 90-gallon cans as well as how to deal with a proliferation of garbage cans throughout the city. Ms. Bascom suggested the council approve the proposal and then wait to see how it works. Responding to a suggestion from Mr. Bennett that the City only set standards for refuse hauling, Mr. Gleason said it is difficult to enforce standards if rates are not established and enforced. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council February 25, 1987 Page 6